Policy Matters Ohio
09/27/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 09/27/2024 07:58
Doing the Work: Ohio Latino Affairs Commission
Doing the Work: Ohio Latino Affairs Commission
Posted on 09/27/24 by Tanisha Pruitt, PhD (she/her) in Democracy & Government
Hispanic and Latino1 Ohioans help shape the social and cultural fabric of their communities and contribute to economic development. The latest census data show that there are more than 16,000 Hispanic-owned businesses across the state. Hispanic Ohioans currently make up 4.4% of the state population; they are one of the few groups coming into Ohio, a state that has seen declining overall population in recent years. Like all of us, every Latino Ohioan deserves the resources and tools they need to thrive.
That is where the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission2 comes in. The Commission advises the state government on how to best serve and connect Latino communities and helps increase Latino organizations' advocacy capacity. Established in 1977 under Gov. James Rhodes, the Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs agency acts as an intermediary between the state government and Hispanic and Latino communities, aiding in the development and implementation of programs and policies across a wide range of issues including education, employment, economic development, health, and housing. They also promote job opportunities, publish research, highlight important legislation, and provide other resources for community members.
Annabel Meleán, MPA, serves as the public policy officer. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Annabel is a proud first-generation Latina of Venezuelan descent and is passionate about empowering immigrant communities. Annabel's father moved to the United States to pursue higher education, earning a master's degree in software engineering from the Florida Institute of Technology. Her family later moved to Columbus, and the rest is history. Growing up Annabel discovered her passion for music, learning the guitar at age 8, performing in show choir, and developing a deep appreciation of creative culture and the arts. Annabel attended the University of Cincinnati, where for the first time, she was taught by BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ educators. The experience galvanized her commitment to social justice, driving her to begin advocating for underrepresented communities. She graduated with a bachelor's degree and a Master of Public Administration and Social Justice, returned home to Columbus, and served as a Senior Legislative Aide in the Ohio Senate.
In her current role, she is responsible for advising the governor, General Assembly, and state agencies on challenges and opportunities facing Hispanic and Latino Ohioans. She works closely with leaders and commission members to build civic engagement, increase Latino participation in government, and build rapport between elected officials and the community. She helps shape policy by serving on task forces and committees that affect the Latino community.
This year Annabel was also tasked with coordinating the 2024 Hispanic Legislative Visit Day at the Ohio statehouse, which brings together Hispanic and Latino legislators, advocates, parents, and students to build connections and have conversations around the issues impacting Hispanic and Latino communities. Annabel moderated a panel that included Policy Matters' Youth, Opportunity, and Education researcher Tanisha Pruitt, PhD.
Annabel works tirelessly to improve representation of - and advance policies that serve -Hispanic, Latino, and immigrant communities in Ohio. On the issue of equity, Annabel stated, "When we look at equity and create policies, we have to look at how they impact each individual community. We can't continue to create blanket policies because each community has their own needs and experiences."
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